Dr. Blackwell's BLOG

Hello friends, family, and loved ones. While I have certainly been very vocal about this election season and doing everything possible to make sure we don’t continue 4 more years of failed policy at the hands of the Republicans, I have remained relatively silent on a major issue facing Florida voters November 4th. Amendment 2, falsely worded as the “Marriage Protection Amendment” would enshrine discrimination into our state Constitution and outlaw recognition of any legal partnership outside of that of one man and one woman. Beyond the hatred, ignorance, and homophobia that fueled the creation of this proposed amendment, it is essential to look beyond this amendment’s surface wording to realize just what consequences this amendment would foster. First, it would damage the legal recognition of heterosexual relationships that aren’t defined by marriage laws. Second, this type of amendment damages the State’s ability to respond effectively to cases of domestic violence among non-married individuals. For example, prosecutors may no longer be able to prosecute cases of domestic violence among unmarried couples (both gay and straight)  to the fullest extent of the law because they no longer “fit” the State’s definition of marriage.

Perhaps most importantly, thousands of people could lose their health insurance and other employer-relayed benefits because state law would no longer allow Florida companies to offer same-sex partner benefits as the amendment specifically is worded to outlaw such benefits to those not meeting this new definition of marriage. I always laugh at the arguments conservatives make because 99.9% of the time, they are non-sensical and oftentimes, stem from more progressive policies being supported due to the drastic consequences such conservative regulations create. In this case, if Amendment 2 is passed, thousands of gay employees of such companies as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios will be without health insurance, resulting in more people having to rely on government-funded insurance programs like Medicaid for coverage, creating a further financial burden to taxpayers of the State and a continued strain on our healthcare system. Please, take a moment and research the drastic results these types of amendments have caused in states like Michigan, where the state’s university system has had to drop health insurance coverage to certain individuals and have made domestic violence statutes near ineffectual for some groups. Regardless of how you feel about gay people, VOTE NO on Amendment 2; it’s mean–spirited and will create far more damage to our State than any remote possibility the amendment might have some type of benefit. VOTE NO on Amendment 2! 

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain completed the final debate of the American presidential election on the same day Barack Obama secured just enough projected votes within the United States’ Electoral College to secure his victory on November 4th. Like the previous two debates, most viewers overwhelmingly indicated Barack Obama was the clear “winner” of the debate. CNN’s Research Center found 58% of viewers believed Barack Obama won the debate while 31% believed John McCain did. Alternatively, in the undecided (perhaps the most important segment of voters), CBS News reported a downright thrashing of John McCain by Obama (53% believed Obama won while 22% believed McCain won; 25% judged the debate as a draw).

 McCain continued twisting facts and personally attacking Obama, which only perpetuated the negative reaction from voters that has been characteristic of the last few weeks. Obama’s favorability rose from 63% to 66% while McCain’s dropped from 51% to 49%. The projected Electoral College map also shifted dramatically today. While some news agencies like Reuters did this weeks ago, CNN updated their map projections today after polls indicate Obama should win Virginia, awarding Obama with 274 votes (270 needed to win) to McCain’s 174. Practically all public “litmus tests” have strongly predicted an Obama victory in less than 3 weeks.

However, it must be emphasized these numbers do not support complacency. We MUST continue to rally support for the Obama-Biden ticket and educate people on why 4 more years of Republican “leadership” will only further damage our great nation. Make sure you are educating your friends, family, and loved ones to get out and vote for Obama! For the final time…CONGRATULATIONS OBAMA!!! Let’s keep-up the momentum to return intelligence and dignity to the United States of America.

CNN’s Research Center has released their polls assessing the performance of Presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama and John McCain in the second presidential debate. Like the first debate, the overwhelming majority of Americans who watched the debate believed Barack Obama “won.” However, unlike the first debate, which captured a large percentage of viewers who were registered Democrats, the sample assessed for this poll was much more representative of the party affiliations of the general American public (38% Dem; 31% Rep; the remaining Ind).

Here are the results of the CNN Polls:

1. Who “won” the presidential debate? Barack Obama: 54% John McCain: 30%

2. Who would better handle the Iraq War? Barack Obama: 51% John McCain: 47%

3. Who would better handle terrorism? John McCain: 51% Barack Obama: 46%

(Note: This was the only sub-category where McCain outscored Obama)

4. Who seemed to be the strongest leader? Barack Obama: 54% John McCain: 43%

5. Who was more likeable in the debate? Barack Obama: 65% John McCain: 28%

6. Who would better handle the American economy?* Barack Obama: 59% John McCain: 37%

7. Who would better handle America’s financial crisis?* Barack Obama: 57% John McCain: 36%

*- Note: Most voters [60%] indicate these are the most critical issues facing America right now. This could indicate a major victory for Barack Obama come election day simply because the lead he currently holds over John McCain is too large in the most critical voting issue–in fact, it’s double-digit large at 22% and 21% respectively. Historically speaking, the last time Americans identified a crippled economy as the most significant issue facing the country during an election season, President Bill Clinton handed then and one-term only President George Bush his walking papers.

So again…CONGRATULATIONS BARACK OBAMA!!! Keep-up the momentum all the way through election day to ensure our BEST candidate takes the White House!